Health is becoming more of a priority to consumers across the nation. Consumers want access to products that are high-quality, clean, natural, and nutritious. This leaves manufacturers scratching their heads trying to determine how to meet these increasing demands.
The ongoing debate as to whether or not artificial sweeteners are healthy or unhealthy is a tricky one. How do we discern the right choices with so many bands banishing artificial sweeteners from their manufacturing process? Here’s how artificial sweeteners fit into the ever-complex global health puzzle.
Artificial Sweeteners: Healthy or Unhealthy?
Artificial sweeteners started gaining notoriety when manufacturers began using them in response to the health risks associated with sugar. To alleviate the amount of sugar used in their products, the use of artificial sweeteners has increased heavily in the last decade. More products than ever contain added or artificial sweeteners. This leads consumers to question their choices, and manufacturers to comply with fluctuating customer desires.
Although artificial sweeteners were created with good intent, their impact suggests otherwise. Many scientific studies claim that non-nutritive, or artificial sweeteners lead to a multitude of health risks. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and digestive issues are some of the many health risks associated with the overconsumption of sugar replacements. Some studies even suggest that consuming non-nutritive sweeteners disrupts our palates, and causes us to crave more sugar more often.
On the other hand, consuming too much natural sugar poses multiple health risks as well. Most commonly, the average American diet consists of overly processed foods that contain large amounts of sugar. Naturally-occurring sugar found in fruits, vegetables, starches, and other whole foods does not pose as much of a risk. When sugar is ubiquitous in our food sources, how should manufacturers respond?
Is Natural Sweetener Superior?
As a result of the health risks associated with sugar replacements, many Americans are turning toward products that contain natural sweeteners. This includes sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, fruit juices, or even caster sugar. Consumers are more interested in products that contain whole ingredients, not just mystery additives. Natural sweeteners tend to be more attractive to potential buyers. However, excessive sugar intake is still a national epidemic.
The one potential upside to artificial sweeteners is that they’re considered non-nutritive. This means there are no calories gained, and no major nutrients absorbed from consuming artificial sweeteners. However, as stated previously, artificial sweeteners still come with health risks.
Natural sweeteners, on the other hand, are considered to be nutritive. This means there is nutritional value to whole-food sweeteners, and there are significant calories, too. When consumed in excess, natural sweeteners tend to have adverse effects on the body. Obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and diabetes are illnesses associated with too much sugar intake.
The Off-taste of Stevia Sweetener & More
Artificial sweeteners also tend to have a strange aftertaste. The metallic, bitter, and off-putting taste of stevia sweeteners and other replacements pose another challenge to food manufacturers. This leaves product developers to find solutions to the strange taste of artificial or stevia sweeteners. This is where masking flavors play an essential role. When products do contain artificial sweeteners, masking flavors will bury the unusual off-taste and enhance desired flavors.
Too Much Sweetener? Not a Problem
All in all, products can still contain sweeteners and still be considered healthy and natural. When it comes to sweeteners, less is more. Some products simply don’t need excess sugar. In other cases, sugar is a necessary component in achieving exceptional taste.
OSF Flavors is devoted to creating game-changing flavors in amazing products. Our wide selection of natural, clean-label, and high-quality flavors enhance any product they’re used in. Want a taste? Feel free to request a sample and experience the difference for yourself. You can also contact a member of our team to learn more about what we do.